Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (Summer School) module (SS03029)

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, while physiology is the study of the functions of the body.

This module introduces you to the anatomy and physiology of the human body, in preparation for more in-depth learning at the undergraduate level.

You will be immersed into the world of the human body and how it functions, by exploring certain body systems and processes.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about homeostasis, which is the state of balance of body systems
• learn about the cardiovascular system, i.e. the heart and blood vessels
• learn about the respiratory system, i.e. the throat, windpipe, and lungs
• learn about the digestive system, from the mouth through to the anus
• learn how the above systems function in order for humans to survive

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• understand the terms anatomy, physiology, and homeostasis
• describe the levels of organisation of the human body
• describe the main functions of all the systems of the human body
• describe the structure and main functions of the cardiovascular system, with a focus on the heart, blood vessels, and composition of blood
• describe the structure and main functions of the respiratory system, with a focus on the upper and lower respiratory tract, breathing, and internal and external respiration
• describe the structure and main functions of the digestive system, with a focus on the main organs and accessory organs of the digestive tract, digestion, and absorption

Assignments / assessment

• formative assessment 1
  • 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
• summative assessment 1 (50%)
  • 30 MCQs
• formative assessment 2
  • 20 MCQs
• summative assessment 2 (50%)
  • 30 MCQs

Formative assessments will not count towards your module grade. All assessments take place online on the Friday of each week for the duration of the module.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

The module will be delivered in-person with four hours of learning per week over four weeks (16 hours total). Teaching and learning will be in the form of:

• lectures
• self-directed learning